You’re right about the cut & buff. It takes a little of the clear coat away when you do it, so it’s not something you wanna do often! That’s why a lot of people take such a number of steps to protect the paint after they do it.
There’s a few threads on TMO that go into paint care, but it’s definitely a rabbit hole you can fall down. Don’t get overwhelmed or discouraged. Just wash with a good car wash detergent (Meguiars Gold Class is my favorite, but several brands make a nice product). Grab you a cheap 5 gal bucket, and use a grit guard with it. Get a separate mit/brush for your wheels and tires, and watch some YouTube videos to help you develop your own method. A spray wax applied with a good microfiber cloth after a wash is just fine if you wash one every week or two, and enjoy a clean car for years to come.
I absolutely LOVE detailing cars, and once you spend an hour or two doing it with the right stuff, you’ll be amazed at how beautiful your car comes out.
